Out Cold

﻿Some may think the term “winter camping” is an oxymoron, but if you appreciate the beauty of winter and have the appropriate gear, camping might be the best way to lose the crowds and celebrate the snowy months.

Most people are familiar with the idea of camping: a tent, sleeping bag, some food, and a campfire. However, if you add winter to the word camping, you may get a puzzled expression. The reality is that winter can be an excellent time to be outdoors and enjoy an overnight adventure in the cold and the snow. With the appropriate gear and a few helpful tips, winter camping can be the perfect opportunity to keep up with Old Man Winter. This article provides a brief view into the important considerations for successful winter camping. In addition, one should research other articles or attend a presentation or seminar on winter camping that may be provided at a local outdoor retail store.

Packing the essentials
The first deciding factor for spending a night out in the cold should be whether or not you have the appropriate gear. The cold literally adds a whole new element to your typical camping trip and to ensure you enjoy your experience, you need to have a few essential items.

Clothing
In order to keep warm it’s important to carefully analyze your clothing options for braving the cold. Layering your clothing is the only way to remain comfortable while outside during the winter, especially if you are backpacking in to your campsite. Wearing various layers of clothing allows you to easily adjust your body temperature while you are outside in the cold.

For example, while you are hiking or setting up camp you will probably be producing more heat and need less clothing than while you are sitting around camp and eating dinner. First, your layering should include a base layer of synthetic underwear or “long johns” that insulates but allows perspiration to wick away from your skin if you start to get too warm.

Second, you need a middle insulating layer of fleece or light wool to keep you warm but can easily be removed such as a vest or jacket.

Thirdly, you will need an outer layer consisting of a water and wind proof jacket that is commonly referred to as a shell. The layering
technique applies to your upper body as well as your legs to ensure that you have total comfort.

Most outdoor retail stores have a vast assortment of clothing that is state-of-the-art for maintaining comfort and adaptability. Many products, such as pants and jackets, have zippers in strategic locations to be unzipped and allow heat to escape from under your arms or along your upper thigh. Also, many outdoor clothing companies use synthetic materials that keep out the elements but allow heat to escape so that you don’t sweat too much.

About Jeff Haley

Contributing Editor & Climbing Correspondent: Jeff was born to climb, plain and simple. An accomplished rock climber and regular Superman of the mountains, Jeff is nearing his conquest of summiting all fifty-four 14,000’ peaks in Colorado.